Naytronix - Dirty Glow

Released: 09/10/2012

Label: Plug Research Records

Dirty Glow is the debut album by Naytronix, another side project from tUnE-yArDs’ bassist Nate Brenner. Fans of tUnE-yArDs will certainly be expecting to hear a sound similar to the band’s experimental, ‘out there’ pop music, and luckily that’s exactly what you get. Some of the most original ‘Out there’ pop/electronic music created from the perspective of a bassist, so it’s laden with funk. Funk everywhere.

From the start, it’s clear that Dirty Glow is certainly a lot different to any other electronic album. While there are similarities, Dirty Glow has a production that slightly muddies up the tracks, which in turn gives a more personal, human feel to it. Often most electronic albums sound a little too mechanic for me to properly get attached to it, so Naytronix has certainly produced something the listener can get comfortable with.

There are a lot of contrasts within the music here. While there are a few moments of deep, emotive sounds which take over the track, the next second is certainly switched around into a happier, optimistic sound which constantly keeps Dirty Glow sounding fresh and interesting. The amount of memorable hooks and riffs on this record is amazing too, some which will remain ingrained into the listeners’ brains for a long time.

Dirty Glow is easily one of the catchiest and original albums of the year. As expected, Naytronix brings left field experiments to his sound akin to his tUnE-yArDs counterpart, and it pays off really well. From the radio-hit-worthy In The Summer, to the infectious grooves in Lead The Way and Baby Don’t Walk Away, and my personal highlight Nightmare. I think Naytronix has definitely created something that’ll be celebrated as one of the best of the year.